Jock Talk: Vikes host high calibre high school basketball

While students enjoy a break from classes, local athletes still have lots on the calendar.

The University of Victoria Vikes men’s basketball alumni host the second annual Senior Boys Invitational tournament, Dec. 28 to 30 in the CARSA gym. The six-team, nine-game tourney has Oak Bay High starting on Thursday, Dec. 28 at 4:30 p.m. when they take on the Seattle Academy. On Friday, Dec. 29 Oak Bay takes on Vashon Island High School at 4:30 p.m. Finally, on Saturday, Dec. 30, Oak Bay plays North Kitsap High School at 12:30 p.m.

Come the new year, Oak Bay’s senior boys host Lambrick Secondary Thursday, Jan. 4, while the senior girls have a few more days off, returning to the court Jan. 9 when they host Parkland at 5:45 p.m.

The Vikes men’s and women’s basketball teams cross the country over the holidays, with the women playing in Toronto and the men in Quebec Dec. 28 to 30. Both teams return home on Friday, Jan. 5 and Saturday, Jan. 6, hosting Thompson Rivers at the CARSA gym. On Friday the women play at 6 p.m. at the men at 8 p.m. while on Saturday, the women hit the court at 5 p.m. and the men at 7 p.m.

The UVic cross-country and track program’s annual Christmas tree sale wraps up Saturday, Dec. 23, but the athletes return to Centennial Stadium for this year’s tree chipping by donation from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan. 6 and 7.

With an eye to a return to the ball field, Carnarvon Ball Club is hosting a variety of baseball and softball winter clinics starting early in the new year. For more information and to register, visit carnarvonballclub.com.

Take advantage of early-bird pricing for the 2018 Oak Bay Half Marathon, Relay, 10K and Kids 1K, weaving through the heart of Oak Bay’s shopping district before looping out along the scenic seaside route of Beach Drive May 27. Sign up at oakbayhalf.com by Dec. 31 to get the best deal on registration.

Player registration for Greater Victoria Minor Ball Hockey’s 2018 season closes Jan. 15, with planning under way for the start of assessments Feb. 4. Visit gvmbha.com to learn more.